Contador Tests Positive for Clenbuterol

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UCI released that Tour de France winner Alberto Contador tested positive for banned substance Clenbuterol yesterday. Contador issued a statement that the cause for the said positive result was due to contaminated meat he ate during the last Tour de France.

The drug test was taken last July 21st and on August 24, UCI informed Contador that they had found a small trace of clenbuterol in his urine. The amount was 50 picograms. Clenbuterol is a drug which boosts aerobic activity and increases the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen. It also helps metabolize fat and acts as a decongestant for asthma patients. UCI provisionally suspended the Spanish cyclist.

Contador held a press conference to address the numerous reactions and feedback regarding the latest scandal that rocked the cycling community.

“It is a case of food contamination to which I was the victim…The UCI itself affirmed in front of me that it was a case of food contamination…I think that this will be resolved in a clear way, with the truth up front. [The UCI] understands that is a special case, which has to be examined.”

Jacinto Vidarte, spokesman for Contador, further adds, “The experts consulted so far have agreed also that this is a food contamination case, especially considering the number of tests passed by Alberto Contador during the Tour de France, making it possible to define precisely both the time the emergence of the substance as the tiny amount detected, ruling out any other source or intentionality.”

UCI has not yet given a statement if Contador will be stripped of his Tour de France title.